Have a ball with Temari

Kreinik Calling! Exclusive to Mr X Stitch!

It’s Temari Time. As you read this, I am at the Handweaver’s Guild of America’s Convergence convention, blissfully surrounded by colorful Temari balls made with Kreinik thread. Here, Temari converges with weaving, then mixes with spinning and parties with all kinds of other fiber arts. The creativity is outstanding, but the little girl in me keeps going back to those balls. Come with me.

Unfortunately I don't know who made these miniature Temari balls, as they are part of the Kreinik family collection. They are only about an inch to two inches in diameter—mini marvels of Kreinik metallic threads on top of silk and sewing threads.
Unfortunately I don’t know who made these miniature Temari balls, part of the Kreinik family collection. They are only about an inch to two inches in diameter—mini marvels of Kreinik metallic threads stitched on silk and sewing threads.

Hopefully you remember the time Mr. X held Temari Tuesday, When Mistress T mentioned them, or when Madeline Scharpf wrote her great article for this site on “Temari! Temari! I love ya, Temari!” If you aren’t familiar, however, they are Japanese thread balls, a thousand-year-old folk art craft that started as handmade toys for children.

This Temari ball was created for Kreinik when we added Japan #7 thread colors. This specialty wrapped fiber has bright lustre and smooth finish. They are as elegant as they come, see http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Japan-Thread-7-5m-spools.html
This Temari ball celebrates new Kreinik Japan #7 thread colors. This wrapped fiber has bright lustre and smooth finish. See http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Japan-Thread-7-5m-spools.html

Wikipedia tells you the significance: “Temari are highly valued and cherished gifts, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty. Also, the brilliant colors and threads used are symbolic of wishing the recipient a brilliant and happy life.” Let me add the magical part: designs are like puzzles, color combinations are energizing, and fiber blends are mesmerizing. A Temari ball is order, completeness, a little world in itself. The patterns are structured and balanced, consequently we marvel and admire these balls of thread. In keeping with tradition, you could use these in handball games or set them on stands as artwork in your home. In addition, imagine meditating with a Temari ball in your hand, letting creative energy and inspiration connect with you.

Combining fibers in a Temari design is like combining spices in a recipe: add variety to make it interesting. Here Kreinik gold metallic is used as a highlight, to contrast with silk thread. Artist unknown, from the Kreinik collection.
Combining fibers in a Temari design is like combining spices in a recipe: add variety to make it interesting. Here Kreinik gold metallic is used as a highlight, contrasting with silk thread. Artist unknown, from the Kreinik collection.
Another group from the Kreinik collection, from an unknown artist, this set includes mixed media techniques. You can probably spot the Kreinik metallic threads, but can you also find trims, netting, silk, and other materials?
Another group from the Kreinik collection, from an unknown artist, this set includes mixed media techniques. You can probably spot the Kreinik metallic threads, but can you also find trims, netting, silk, and other materials?
How to get started

In prepping the Kreinik vendor booth for the Convergence convention, we pulled Temari collected by Kreinik staff over the years to display at the show. Let this gallery inspire you to investigate this amazing technique. As a stitcher who plays with patterns and threads, your skills can translate. Think of them as round stitching projects.

A few good websites to get you started: www.temari.com from Diana Vandervort. Also Ginny Thompson’s website www.temarikai.com, and www.japanesetemari.com by Barbara Suess. I have worked with each of these artists, and their instructions, designs, photos, and resources are excellent.

Keep your eyes open for Temari balls at antique stores, auction sites, and estate sales to begin a colorful collection.

This holiday themed wrapped ball comes from the Kreinik museum. It features silk threads and Kreinik 1/8" Ribbon.
This holiday themed wrapped ball comes from the Kreinik museum. It features silk threads and Kreinik 1/8″ Ribbon. It would make a lovely ornament on a Christmas tree.

KreinikGirl

Dena Lenham, aka KreinikGirl, is Creative Director at Kreinik Manufacturing Company, a family-owned, USA-based business that manufactures high-quality yarns and threads made of metallics, silks and real metals from their West Virginia factory. Dena’s monthly column, Kreinik Calling, sheds light on the fascinating fibres that we all use and love.

be inspired!